Marnus Labuschagne went 48 consecutive innings without a century after a five-ball duck against South Africa in Cape Town on October 28, 2026. Selectors had kept faith in the 32-year-old before his latest dismissal left his Test career hanging by a thread.
Since his last Test three-figure score at Old Trafford in 2023, Labuschagne averages 24.77. That figure marks a sharp decline from the peak years following his 2019 Ashes introduction when his average hovered near 65. The drought established a new record for wait times among Australia’s top four. Chief selector George Bailey acknowledged the performance cannot be defended while noting the team has weighed his ability to absorb deliveries against the new ball.
Simon Harmer Removes Labuschagne at Newlands
Walking to the crease with Australia at 2-58, Labuschagne faced five deliveries from South African spinner Simon Harmer before nicking a defensive prod to first slip. The dismissal followed a lively first day where Australian players had exchanged words in the field, drawing an animated send-off from Proteas fielder Matthew Breetzke. Former Australia batter Simon Katich pointed to the burden carried by the under-fire batsman.
The celebration by South Africa after dismissing Marnus Labuschagne. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/9a8zgRvzOm
Matt Renshaw and Cameron Green Build Vital Partnership
Matt Renshaw anchored the top of the order with 74 runs. He combined with Cameron Green—who posted 65 in his return from injury—for a 136-run partnership after a disappointing defeat in Gqeberha. Josh Inglis finished unbeaten on 85. Alex Carey added 51 not out late in the day, pushing the tourists to 4-330 at stumps on day two and securing a one-run lead over South Africa’s first-innings 329.
Selectors Face Difficult Decisions After Extended Slumps
Former fast bowler Jason Gillespie argued that the sample size is now too large, suggesting no player would typically be afforded such an extended run without a century. Usman Khawaja offered a sympathetic perspective on Monday, noting that prolonged slumps often stem from mental rather than technical hurdles. Steve Smith was sidelined for the Newlands Test due to a neck injury but is expected to return. Selection panels face tough choices ahead of the upcoming home series against New Zealand.
Bailey remarked that the selection panel consistently evaluates the collective impact of the lineup, stating that the focus remains entirely on converting starts into major milestones. The focus is on hundreds,
Bailey noted regarding the team’s ongoing discussions. I don't think I'm in a position to defend the performance. But in terms of the collective, there's been times where that's helped. And that's the question we keep asking ourselves.
Before play began on Wednesday morning, the team gathered in the practice nets to form a tight circle and participate in a collective embrace. Renshaw emphasized that the primary objective for the group was simply establishing lasting partnerships after a difficult stretch in previous matches.
Under pressure Marnus Labuschagne falls for 0 as Simon Harmer strikes twice in an over. South Africa pegging back Australia on the second day of the deciding Test in Cape Town. #bbccricket #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/HOdLN4DXPS
Katich noted that the ongoing performance of the pitch could determine the final outcome as the match moves into its later stages at Newlands. It is still playing very well. And I expect it to hold,
Katich said.
More on Marnus Labuschagne
What they say and what they do. Australia more vulnerable now than before. Smith wounded, an unsettled, unknown batting order and the Rabada/Jansen combo primed for new ball success, again. https://t.co/wmyUNMijLf
He’s had a few of these mornings in the last few years but never seen Marnus Labuschagne with his head down & as intense as he’s been today. Needs a big score, maybe nothing short of three figures will do, to resurrect his Test career & I’m backing him in of course pic.twitter.com/Km1ueDTxob
Marnus Labuschagne has retained his Test spot for the tour of South Africa despite scores of 1, 31 and 4 in his three innings against Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/e9fEjBWWSe
